Published at Saturday, 21 September 2019. Backyard. By Nicolas Barjavel.

Outdoor fire pits are another form of backyard fireplaces. Some people also call these fire bowls. The fire pit is the most portable of all of the backyard fireplaces and also takes up the least amount of space. They are ventless and do not have chimneys. Fire pits can be bowls, pots and pits that hold the fire within its boundaries. You may find some fire pits that come with wheels for easier portability. Without having a chimney to force the smoke away from your guests, it could be a little smokier than the other backyard fireplaces. Fire rings are also sometime called fire pits. Fire rings are similar to what you find in a campground. They are simply containment areas for the backyard fire. These are the least expensive of all the backyard fireplaces. You can easily place a grill over the top for cooking.

The least durable backyard fireplaces will be made of thin metals and clay. They will also be less expensive. The more durable ones would be made of stainless steel, cast iron or aluminum. Copper is also quite durable, but you need to know that it does oxidize and will change color from golden-bronze to a greenish hue. Also, you should be aware of the fact that iron may rust if left out in the rain and snow. You will find backyard fireplaces that are fueled by wood, natural gas, liquid and gel. The gases burn cleaner and there is less mess than wood. Of course, with wood fireplaces you will have more work to do such as cutting the wood for the fire but many people enjoy the crackle and pop of a real outdoor fire. If you choose natural gas, you will need to install the gas line and the fireplace will be placed in a permanent location rather than being able to move it around.

The exotic, tropical look of your backyard resort will be achieved by combining a wide variety of shapes, forms, colors, and textures. Banana plants with their large dramatic leaves, beautiful foliage plants like coleus and gingers, open and airy ornamental grasses, beautiful climbing vines, and tropical blooming plants all have a place. What may surprise you is that there is also a place for many of our more cold-hardy and traditional landscape plants. Uniformity and normality are out; randomness and whimsy are in.